Winger James Milner has urged Villa to keep their foot on the gas in their Champions League charge as he prepared for his first start in a derby game.

Villa host against bitter rivals Albion in Saturday’s lunchtime derby having gone unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games.

A victory will see them leapfrog Manchester United into third and within a point of second-placed Chelsea – who travel to Old Trafford on Sunday – for at least 24 hours.

Milner admits it is crucial the claret and blues beat the Baggies – and not just to pile the pressure on the sides above them but to maintain the gap between themselves and fifth-placed Arsenal.

He said: “It’s important we put our foot down. We need to keep the pressure on Arsenal. One slip up, with the three points difference, and we’ll let them in.

“We’re in a winning habit at the moment and that’s a difficult habit to get into but a fantastic one to be in once you do.”

Milner already has derby experience for Villa but this will be his first start against the Baggies.

He came on as a late substitute in Villa’s 2-1 September win at the Hawthorns and played in both victories over Birmingham, during his loan spell in the 2005/06 season.

He said: “I was on the bench at their place. Everyone was playing well and the manager has a policy that if that’s the case and we’re winning, you stay in the team.

“Derbies are always great occasions – like the Birmingham games from my earlier spell, so it will be a great atmosphere.

“When you are playing well things seem to go right for you. The Hull game we didn’t play very well – although it was always going to be a tough game.”